5 Day Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu - Private Service in Cusco, Peru
Cusco, Peru

5 Day Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu - Private Service

Outty Ranking 70 5.0 · 32 traveler reviews120 hoursFrom $656
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Outty Ranking

70/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 32 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is 5 Day Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu - Private Service worth booking?

5 Day Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu - Private Service is a 120-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $656 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 32 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
70 / 100
Rating
5/5 (32)
Duration
120 hours
From
$656 per person

The Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days is the most spectacular alternative trek to Machu Picchu and unlike the Classic Inca Trail, there are no permit limitations.  National Geographic Adventure Magazine rated the Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days as one for the 25 Best Treks in the World. Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days, through incredible landscapes where lowland jungle gives way to highland alpine settings and glaciated mountains, the most impressive of which is the snow peak Salkantay.  If you have missed to sign up on time for the Inca trail, the Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days, is your best option to get to Machu Picchu. There are also excellent hot springs at the end of your trek.

What you get

    About this experience

    The Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days is the most spectacular alternative trek to Machu Picchu and unlike the Classic Inca Trail, there are no permit limitations.  National Geographic Adventure Magazine rated the Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days as one for the 25 Best Treks in the World. Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days, through incredible landscapes where lowland jungle gives way to highland alpine settings and glaciated mountains, the most impressive of which is the snow peak Salkantay.  If you have missed to sign up on time for the Inca trail, the Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days, is your best option to get to Machu Picchu. There are also excellent hot springs at the end of your trek.

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 32 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    9 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Food and drink

    4 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Organization

    3 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Physical effort

    2 mentions

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Traveler reviews

    32 verified traveler reviews for 5 Day Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu - Private Service. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    32
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    jennifertV2090YT · April 2026

    An amazing adventure in the Peruvian Andes to Machu Picchu!

    Our adventure over the Salkantay Pass to Machu Picchu was nothing short of extraordinary. From start to finish, every detail was handled with care, expertise, and genuine pride in the experience. Julio, Head Chef and Cesar, Assistant Chef, truly elevated the journey! Each meal was thoughtfully prepared, beautifully presented, and far beyond what anyone would expect in such remote and demanding conditions. The food was consistently outstanding and became something we looked forward to each day. Our guide, Juan Collado, was simply exceptional. Knowledgeable, attentive, and deeply passionate about the region and sharing the history and culture. They created an experience that felt both seamless and personal. Together, their leadership, encouragement, and insight made a challenging trek feel achievable and deeply rewarding. The horsemen, Alfredo, the boys, and their horses also deserve special recognition. Their strength, skill, and constant care ensured everything ran smoothly, and their respect for the animals and the trail was inspiring to witness. This trek was more than a journey to Machu Picchu. It was an unforgettable experience shaped by an incredible team. I would highly recommend this adventure to anyone seeking a once-in-a-lifetime trek supported by truly outstanding people.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re truly happy to hear that your Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu was such a special experience. We’ll be sure to share your recognition with Julio, Cesar, Juan, and all our horsemen, who put their heart into every detail. We hope to welcome you again on another unforgettable adventure in the Andes!

    via Tripadvisor

    Explore476359 · April 2026

    Outstanding Tour

    This trip was fantastic particularly the Peru component which took up 13 days. We had a lovely group of people on our tour and we had a fabulous tour Manager from Valencia travel named Edwardo. The tour included the Amazon rainforest, the beautiful town of Cusco, the iconic Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. Edwardo and the rest of his team of drivers and guides were outstanding. Everything was well organised even with some very early starts and long distances to travel. Would definitely recommend this tour.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We are truly delighted to hear that you had such a fantastic experience exploring Peru with us. It’s great to know that you enjoyed the diversity of the itinerary, from the Amazon rainforest to Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca. Peru really offers unforgettable experiences, and we’re glad you were able to enjoy them to the fullest. We are especially pleased to hear your kind words about Eduardo. He and the entire team of drivers and guides will be very happy to know they made such a positive impact on your journey. We always strive to provide well-organized and seamless experiences, even with early starts and long travel days, so your feedback means a lot to us. Thank you again for your recommendation. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future

    via Tripadvisor

    daniellerX6458ID · April 2026

    Life changing. Loved it. Couldn’t have asked for better.

    I thought I had booked a group tour with my 2 friends but it turned out to be private and we would not have wanted it any other way! This trip was life changing. The vies and experiences and people we got to meet were above any expectations I could ever have! Juan our tour guide worked tirelessly to make sure we had everything we needed at all times and handled every curve ball thrown at him with grace. Our two chefs Julio and Cesar were such a joy working hard everyday to make sure we stayed not only fed but had som of the best and most fresh food I’ve had in a long time. Them showing us Peru through foo was a treat I would have never expected! And lastly Alfredo and his two young helpers (I never got their names) made this dream a reality by being along with us every step of the way doing all the heavy lifting. Peru is absolutely stunning and the people made it so special. I cannot wait to return and when I do I will definitely use Valencia again!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re truly happy to hear that your experience was so meaningful and exceeded your expectations. Sometimes those unexpected surprises—like ending up on a private tour—turn into the most special moments, and we’re glad it worked out that way for you and your friends. Juan will be delighted to know his dedication and care made such a positive impact, and we’ll be sure to share your kind words with Julio, Cesar, Alfredo, and the entire team. They all put their heart into creating memorable experiences, and it’s incredibly rewarding to know that it showed throughout your journey. It means a lot to us that you felt connected not only to the landscapes, but also to the people and the food those are truly the soul of Peru. We’ll be here with open arms whenever you’re ready to return. It would be our pleasure to welcome you again!

    via Tripadvisor

    elyses936 · April 2026

    Highlight of our 5 week Trip!

    We couldn’t fault Valencia’s service during our day tours & 5 day Salkantay Trek Experience! Our guide Genrri and chef Carmelo were absolutely amazing! Along with the rest of the Valancia travel team, they made one of the most challenging treks the most memorable highlight of our 5 week trip through South America.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We are truly delighted to hear that your Salkantay Trek and day tours with Valencia Travel were among the highlights of your 5-week journey through South America. We are very proud of our team, especially Genrri and Carmelo, who are dedicated to creating authentic and unforgettable experiences. We will be sure to pass along your kind words to them. Thank you for trusting us to be part of such a special adventure. We hope to welcome you again in the future! Wishing you many more amazing travels ahead.

    via Tripadvisor

    weis2026 · January 2026

    The coolest experience in mountain

    We enjoyed the stay in Salkantay! The food is incredible. I am looking forward to meal time everyday. The cook made a cake for us at the last day. The service is good! We even received hot water bottle at the night against the cold.

    Response from the operator: Thank you very much for sharing your experience with us! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay on the Salkantay trek and that the meals were a highlight of your journey. Our cooking team puts a lot of care into every dish, and we are especially happy to know the cake on the last day was a memorable touch. We are also glad that the service and small details, such as the hot water bottles at night, helped make your experience more comfortable. Your kind words truly motivate our entire team. We hope to welcome you again on another adventure in the future!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    120 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    8+
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Booked in 30 days
    11
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Why this scores 70

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)96
    Review evidence (18% weight)57
    Booking momentum (14% weight)49
    Value for money (12% weight)85
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)62
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    5 Day Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu - Private Service: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.

    How much does 5 Day Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu - Private Service cost?

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    Prices start at $656 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cusco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does 5 Day Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu - Private Service take?

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    Plan for about 120 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cusco is not rushed.

    Is 5 Day Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu - Private Service worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 32 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable outdoors in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule 5 Day Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu - Private Service?

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    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is 5 Day Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu - Private Service suitable for kids and families?

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    The operator sets a minimum age of 8. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 120-hour running time when deciding.

    How far in advance should I book 5 Day Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu - Private Service?

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    Around 11 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cusco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cusco and add a light layer if any part of the 120-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does 5 Day Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu - Private Service start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cusco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Cusco?

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    On Outty we rank every Cusco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sacred Valley Full Day Tour, Full-Day Humantay Lake Trek (Meals Included), Cusco: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Premium Day Trip with Meals. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Cusco?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Cusco?

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    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What happens to 5 Day Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu - Private Service if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Cusco. Standard cancellation terms apply.

    What do travelers say about 5 Day Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu - Private Service?

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    Across 32 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

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